Raised in in Pittsburgh, Maura is passionate about using her creativity to engage the community. “We want to bring people together, to make them feel good here,” she says. “It really takes a village of dedicated staff to make everyone feel welcome and wanting to come back for more.”

Front of house manager Stacy Iasimone agrees that creating a sense of place at the two year old restaurant has been a labor of love. “I started the day the restaurant opened, and I’m still in love with my job,” she says. “It’s been so rewarding to create connections with both the staff and our customers, and to be able to bridge the gap in our community.”

All of your favorite foods get a gourmet makeover at The Village. The mouthwatering Angus burgers – one took home the People’s Choice Award at the 2016 RI Food Fights Burger Blowout – are creatively served on grilled pretzel rolls. The crisp, flatbread style pizza ranges from the classic Margherita to the unique Prosciutto & Fig, a pie that beautifully blends prosciutto, candied sweet potato, ricotta, fig preserve, Gruyere and Mozzarella. Their brunch menu raises the bar on breakfast fare in the Creative Capital. A Chicken and Waffle sandwich, Crème Brule French Toast with Maple Bacon Crunch Ice Cream and the Eggs and Grits are just a few of the one-of-a-kind menu offerings that you can find. Original brunch beverages, like the Hot Flash Bloody Mary and fresh fruit mimosas, complement the decadent, yet reasonably priced food.

While you should be coming in for the incredible food, you can also stop in for the entertainment that happens most nights of the week, like live music, karaoke and comedy shows. The bar offers an extensive champagne and handcrafted cocktail menu, which is updated (along with the restaurant menu) with the seasons. Come patio weather, a pet menu is available for four-legged friends. A certified green restaurant, both Maura and Stacy are committed to offering eco-friendly solutions.

“We’ve also added some lighter, healthier foods and more plates for sharing,” Maura says. “I am proud that we provide a fun, safe environment for any guest that walks through our door,” says Stacy, the 2014 RI Pride Bartender of the Year.

“Everyone is treated like family. I was raised in an Italian household where everyone and anyone is welcome at anytime.” Chef Maura adds: “There is always something fun to do and delicious to eat here at The Village.”